Box Score

FERRUM, Va. — Averett missed a 3-pointer in the final seconds as Ferrum College held on for a 68-65 conference win over the Cougars on Wedneday night.

Averett (5-7, 2-2 USA South) rallied from a seven-point deficit late to tie the game at 65-65 on senior Marquis Scott's jumper with under a minute to play. Ferrum (7-6, 4-1 USA South) answered at the other end with a dunk to go back in front moments later. An offensive foul on Averett put Ferrum on the free throw line, where the Panthers hit one of two to take a three-point lead with seconds remaining.

Following a timeout, the Cougars put up a 3-pointer that missed, allowing Ferrum to escape with the victory.

Ferrum led for a majority of the first half and took a 37-31 lead into the break. Averett closed the gap and took a 40-39 lead with 12:13 to play in the second half. After the Panthers went back in front, Averett managed to tie the game three times down the stretch but couldn't retake the lead.

Senior Justin Pierce led Averett with 24 points, while freshman Carter Jones finished with 10 points. Scott finished with nine points and nine rebounds.

J.D. Wallace was Ferrum's high scorer with 22 points. The Panthers shot 52.9 percent from the floor and made 11 of 21 shots from beyond the arc.

Averett returns to action on Saturday when the Cougars host Greensboro College at 4 p.m. at the Grant Center.